Hip Hop Public Health Completes Trilogy Of COVID-19 Music Video PSAs With Release Of #BehindTheMask [Video & Lyrics Included]

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) Completes Trilogy Of COVID-19 Music Video PSAs With Release Of Behind The Mask (PRNewsfoto/Hip Hop Public Health)

Building upon the momentum and public engagement generated by 20 Seconds or More and 20 Segundos o Más, the high-impact music video PSAs that have become global anthems and rallying cries around the importance of handwashing in the fight against COVID-19 since launching in April and July, respectively, Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) today released Behind the Mask. 

Behind the Mask is an original new song and music video designed to increase the use of face masks as an effective means of stopping the spread of the coronavirus around the world. It is the third installment in a trilogy of COVID-related music video PSAs produced by Hip Hop Public Health, the New York-based, nonprofit organization founded in 2006 to build health equity through the transformative power of music, art and science. 

With the number of coronavirus cases continuing to rise around the country while disproportionately affecting communities of color, the goal of Behind the Mask is to proactively address the issue by driving the conversation and debate around COVID-19 safety protocols into action with culturally relevant and compassionate messaging.

Behind the Mask was written by multi-platinum composer Quennel Worthy, and features Grammy-nominated vocalist Raheem DeVaughn, backed by Grammy-winning rapper Darryl DMC McDaniels from Run-DMC and the iconic rapper and HHPH Co-Founder, Doug E. Fresh. With medical oversight by Dr. Olajide Williams, Co-Founder of Hip Hop Public Health and Chief of Staff, Department of Neurology, New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Behind the Mask utilizes HHPH's evidence-based behavior change Multisensory Multilevel Health Education Model . 

• The video focuses on proper mask-wearing techniques while incorporating culturally tailored, personalized themes that drive a strong emotional connection to the message, which in turn has been shown to facilitate behavior change.

"There is unequivocal supporting evidence that masks reduce the spread of COVID-19, and this is related to the scientific consensus that the infection can occur from inhaling droplets containing the virus," says Dr. Olajide Williams. "Masks act as a barrier to these infected droplets of saliva that are expelled when we sneeze, cough, or even breathe heavily. They protect those around us from being infected by us, and this is especially important because of the people in our communities walking among us who do not exhibit symptoms (asymptomatic people). The more people that wear masks, the more we are able to reduce the spread of COVID-19 - and to demonstrate this point, one study from the University of Washington showed that if 95% of the public wear masks, we would avoid approximately 34,000 more deaths by October 1, 2020."

Hip Hop Public Health created Behind the Mask as the cornerstone of a major public health education initiative that began in April at the height of the pandemic in New York with 20 Seconds or More, followed by the Latino community-facing 20 Segundos o Más campaign in early July. 

• Together, these campaigns have reached over three million people around the world through the viewing and sharing of the videos, significant social media traction and international media coverage.

A running theme encapsulated in the Behind the Mask song is love: how our actions or inactions can dangerously impact those we love, and how, from behind the mask, we are promoting community and neighborhood health, while protecting and saving the lives of our loved ones and those with whom we come into contact daily. 

The music video PSA features guest appearances by well-known and everyday New Yorkers – artists, public health experts, religious and civic leaders, athletes, media personalities, entertainers and families, all wearing masks or demonstrating proper donning, doffing, and storing for re-use techniques. Among the participants are: rappers Niko Brim and Rob Base; New York Jets linebacker, James Burgess; Broadway legend Irene Gandy; Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey, NYPD Chief of Community Affairs; Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, NYPD First Deputy Commissioner; DJ Dee Wiz, touring DJ and Producer; author and poet Jacqueline Woodson; music executive Sal Abbatiello; award-winning broadcaster Cheryl Wills; Rick Patel, Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York; radio personality Sasha the Diva; and, virologist Dr. Angela Rasmussen (full list of participants).

"Behind the Mask is a love letter and an ode from the people of New York to everyone around the world," says Lori Rose Benson, Executive Director and CEO of Hip Hop Public Health. "The song's lyrics literally bring people together with a message of love, unity and hope. Our work is far from over, and we see Behind the Mask as a natural way for Hip Hop Public Health and our supporters to advance our mission of propelling the dialogue and action around COVID-19 forward with kindness and humanity at the heart of our message and towards our goal of stopping the spread."

Says Doug E. Fresh, "Behind the Mask is a classic R&B-inspired track infused with the forthrightness of hip hop to deliver a vital, lifesaving message. Continuing on this journey with my friend Darryl DMC McDaniels as we join forces with 'The Love King' himself, Raheem DeVaughn, will hopefully move people and inspire them to wear a mask to protect themselves and their loved ones."

Raheem DeVaughn adds, "It was an honor to collaborate with Hip Hop Public Health, Doug E. Fresh and Darryl DMC McDaniels on this project. Everyone has, in some way, been impacted by COVID-19 and we all need to listen and adhere to the message of Behind the Mask as a symbol of love, a symbol of trust and a way forward to a better future."

As a long-time supporter and Advisory Board member of Hip Hop Public Health, Darryl DMC McDaniels comments, "I know first-hand how music, and naturally, hip hop can impact people in a positive manner. Behind the Mask is a powerful example of this and I am convinced that it will make a difference."

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) Completes Trilogy Of COVID-19 Music Video PSAs With Release Of Behind the Mask (Hip Hop Public Health)

Behind the Mask -The Lyrics:

Behind The Mask
By Q. Worthy, Barnard “BJ” Gray, and Joshua Banks

(Verse1 )
A symbol of love
A symbol of trust
Between us
I wear it for you
You wear it for me
A promise
I put on the mask
Out of respect for the masses
And all those left behind
To salute and honor
All the first responders
Battling on the front lines

(Hook)
You got my back
I got your back
Behind the mask
It’s not
Much to ask
We’ll save the world
From behind the mask
If you feel alone
Just know
You’re not invisible
Cause I still see you
Behind the mask

(Verse2)
Now we can’t pretend
The state that we’re in, is not dangerous
One minute we’re close
Then six feet away like strangers
There’s a virus outside
Threatening all of our lives
And we can’t let it in
Not just for you but for all
To prevent a loss
We put on the mask for them

(Hook)
You got my back
I got your back
Behind the mask
It’s not
Much to ask
We’ll save the world
From behind the mask
If you feel alone
Just know
You’re not invisible
Cause I still see you
Behind the mask
Yeah I still see you
Behind the mask

(Rap)
Now here’s a little story about this year
Who woulda thought we would end up here
Fresh decade we was barely in it
New year came wit a world pandemic
But it’ll get better
The storm we’ll weather
Heads held high as we stand together
We gotta do our part to stop the spread
All pull together like we never did
First, wash your hands make sure they’re clean
20 secs or more is what I mean
Put ya mask on don’t matter what kind
Cloth, surgical, N95
Before you take ya mask off
Go and wash ya hands off
Fold it up outside in so the germs touch
Store your mask in a paper bag
Then one last time go and wash ya hands

Behind the Mask - The Video:

• The Behind the Mask video was produced by IDEKO, a New York-based experiential production agency. To learn more, please visit www.hhph.org. 

About Hip Hop Public Health:

Hip Hop Public Health (HHPH) is an internationally recognized organization that creates and implements multimedia public health and education interventions designed to improve health literacy, inspire behavior change and promote health equity. Based in New York City, HHPH was founded in Harlem in 2006 with the mission to empower youth and families around the country – and the globe— with the knowledge and skills to make healthier choices, reducing preventable health conditions. Through a research-driven developmental process created by Columbia University Neurologist Dr. Olajide Williams (a.k.a. the "Hip Hop Doc"), Hip Hop Public Health works with socially conscious artists and public health experts to create scalable, highly engaging, culturally relevant music and multimedia "edutainment" tools.

The Hip Hop Public Health team, led by physical education veteran and public health leader Lori Rose Benson, is a collective comprised of not only health and education professionals (including nutritionists, public health researchers, teachers, physicians, behavioral scientists, and a student advisory board), but also proven-successful multi-media professionals and A-list iconic rap stars and pop artists including Doug E. Fresh, Chuck D, DMC of Run DMC, Ashanti, Jordin Sparks, as well children's television writers/producers (formerly of Sesame Street). All HHPH music, videos, comic books, video games and guidance documents are available for free and can be accessed on its online resource repository.

SOURCE: Hip Hop Public Health

#WindBuildsTheFuture: The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) Is Celebrating American Wind Week 2020 [Videos Included]

This American Wind Week, AWEA thanks the 120,000+ wind workforce for keeping the lights on for millions of families and businesses as the country continues to navigate challenging times.

The American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) is kicking off American Wind Week 2020, the fourth annual national celebration of U.S. wind energy leadership. 

• During American Wind Week, AWEA, its 1000+ members, and the thousands of diverse U.S. wind supporters highlight the many ways wind is helping build the future.

"After a decade of significant growth, wind power last year became America's number one source of renewable energy. During this year's American Wind Week, we celebrate the more than 120,000 Americans working in the wind industry, as well as all the wind champions across the country that helped make this achievement possible. This year has been one of immense challenge for our country as we strive to overcome the public health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. wind industry stands ready, now more than ever, to keep pushing forward and to help our country build a stronger economy and a cleaner future." – Tom Kiernan, AWEA CEO.

"2020 should be remembered as the year wind worked for America. At the height of stay-at-home orders, wind farms produced enough electricity to power 32 million homes in both April and May. Those turbines were kept spinning by the tens of thousands of essential wind workers, including nearly 7,000 Vestas essential employees. We have proven wind is essential today and wind will be essential tomorrow." – Chris Brown, AWEA Board Chair and Vestas North America President.

Wind power is proud to be red, white, and blue, with operating wind projects or manufacturing facilities in 70 percent of U.S. Congressional districts and jobs in all 50 states. That is why we are honored that so much of the country has joined us in proclaiming this week American Wind Week.

Laramie County Community College Instructor, Steve Hrkach, on training future Wind Energy Technicians.

Eighty-six percent of Americans think the U.S. should put more emphasis on using clean, renewable wind energy, according to a July 2020 online consumer survey conducted by the Harris Poll on behalf of AWEA and released today. 

These results build on a June 2020 Pew poll, which reported eighty-three percent of Americans support building more wind farms. During Wind Week, we celebrate this widespread and bipartisan support.

You can follow Wind Week at americanwindweek.org, or through social media using #AmericanWindWeek and #WindBuildsTheFuture.

• Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations placed on in-person events, American Wind Week will look different than in past years, with most of the events taking place virtually. 

However, while it might look different, we are celebrating with just as much fanfare, with special events running every day following distinct themes:

Monday, August 10: Essential Workforce: Wind workers are on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, helping to keep the lights on every day for millions of Americans. Electricity is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy, and wind workers are there to keep the electrons flowing. Electricity is a necessity, not a luxury, and our workers are ensuring we have access to that necessity.

Tuesday, August 11: Economic Recovery: Wind is set to play a key role as our nation's economy strives to bounce back from the damage of the current pandemic. Wind is creating new U.S. manufacturing jobs, wind technician is the country's second-fastest-growing job, and the wind project pipeline is at a near-record high. Offshore wind is posed to play a major role in the recovery, creating 83,000 jobs in a decade and launching a brand-new U.S. supply chain. Through this recovery, we can create a cleaner future filled with opportunity.

Wednesday, August 12: Wind Power Champions: American wind power dedicates a day to honoring its federal and state-level wind champions, who are making it possible for wind to build a stronger economy and cleaner future. This select group of bipartisan Senators, Congressmen, and Governors has embraced a forward-thinking approach to energy policy, allowing wind to become our country's largest renewable energy source while employing over 120,000 Americans across all 50 states.

Thursday, August 13: Community Investment: Thursday highlights wind's nearly unmatched investment in rural America, providing farmers with a drought-proof cash crop and rural communities with revenue to invest in their future. We also give a special focus on the many efforts our 1000+ members are taking to help communities overcome the challenges of COVID-19.

Friday, August 15: Corporate Buyers: Businesses purchased a record amount of U.S. wind power last year and now represent 10 percent of all operating wind capacity in the country. These Fortune 500 companies, like Walmart, General Motors, Budweiser, and McDonalds, are making the move toward wind power as they strive to meet sustainability targets and improve their bottom lines. Companies powering their stores, factories, and data centers with wind energy is no longer just a trend—it is the new normal for doing business.

Related Videos:

• Visit AWEA's website to learn more about the enormous economic benefits wind power brings to America.

SOURCE: American Wind Energy Association

The Simpsons and Spinal Tap Star Harry Shearer Brings You Donald Trump As You've Never Seen Him Before [Video Included]

The Simpsons and Spinal Tap Star Harry Shearer Brings You Donald Trump As You've Never Seen Him Before (Screengrab)

A new video depicting Donald Trump performing a song in praise of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is today revealed as being the work of The Simpsons and Spinal Tap star Harry Shearer. 

Son in Law, which premiered on YouTube, is the first track to be released in a cycle of satirical songs inspired by the last four years of US politics and in particular the often mercurial behaviour of the current occupant of The White House. 

The Simpsons and Spinal Tap Star Harry Shearer Brings You Donald Trump As You've Never Seen Him Before (Screengrab)

• A new song will be released each week throughout the summer and autumn.

The "Son In Law" video uses groundbreaking motion-capture animation to portray the US President lionizing his senior advisor and husband of his daughter Ivanka. At one point it shows the spookily real Trump with his hand casually hovering over the nuclear button on his desk in The Oval Office, whilst extolling the virtues of his daughter's curves.

Harry Shearer says, "You can't fire family, but you can sing about them."

The video was conceived and produced by Harry Shearer with Matt Hermans of The Electric Lens Company in Sydney, Australia. The On Set Producer was Harry's long-time collaborator, cinematographer Matthew Mindlin. 

COVID-180, out today, is the second song in the series and has Shearer as the Leader of The Free World as he dances to his own tune in a dizzying reality-distanced spin away from the virus that has swept the world.

Written by Shearer, the old-style New Orleans R&B song has The Simpsons star on vocals in an eerily accurate impersonation of the President of The United States. 

 He is joined by a band of top New Orleans musicians who include David Torkanowsky of The Astral Project and Stanton Moore Trio on piano and organ, The Metres star George Porter, Jr. on bass, Raymond Weber of Dumpstaphunk on drums, leading saxophonist Brad Walker, Scott Frock of Delfeayo Marsalis' Uptown Jazz Orchestra, on trumpet, and one of New Orleans' top trombonists Jon Ramm. 

The track is mixed by long-time Harry Shearer musical collaborator C J Vanston at The Treehouse North Hollywood and produced by David Torkanowsky. It was recorded in New Orleans and Los Angeles.

"COVID-180" by Harry Shearer

• Harry Shearer has vocally portrayed every US president of his lifetime. Donald Trump is the third he has portrayed physically, having previously played Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan on screen.

SOURCE: Harry Shearer

"Creatures" Tale of 1700's North American Smallpox Outbreak Currently Filming with Native American Cast & Producers During Global Pandemic

"Creatures": Filming is underway at the Blackfeet Reservation in Northern Montana

'Creatures', a story of the smallpox pandemic that decimated Native American tribes across the Western American territories, is currently being filmed on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, with shooting scheduled to wrap during the second week of August for a Winter 2020 international theatrical and streaming release. 

'Creatures' is a powerful reminder that what we are coping with as a world, is truly ancient history.

'Creatures' is developed in cooperation with the Blackfeet Tribe of Montana, with a full cast of Indigenous actors, and several Blackfeet producers and crew members. The story is told through adventures of several youths from warring tribes who wrestle with the spread of the disease and the introduction of the horse, called "Creatures," that hold the promise of power.

"Creatures" Movie about a Pandemic being filmed during the Coronavirus Pandemic

"Our film follows the story of one Blackfeet man and his response to the same kind of issues that we, as a unified American people, are addressing today: how do you collectively manage a mysterious and deadly pathogen that rapidly spreads from person to person? The Blackfeet Nation has kept these stories alive for generations and now we are sharing them with the rest of the world. If there is one lesson that our past holds for this future generation, it's that fear is the deadliest weapon of all. Conquer that, and logic will save you," says Pat "Judge" Hall, Producer and Locations and Wrangler for 'Creatures'.

Smallpox was brought to the New World by the Spaniards and was later spread from tribe to tribe, as a deadly bioweapon. Smallpox was responsible for decimating entire tribes from the planet. It is estimated that over two thirds of the Blackfeet Tribe alone were killed in the first wave. 

The course of the disease vector across the Great Plains was accompanied by the proliferation of horses, called "elk-dogs," also imported by the Spanish, and came to represent a powerful weapon in the fight to conquer enemies and gain territory. 

The profound impact of the horse and its nascent relationship with the Blackfeet is a powerful metaphor woven through the tapestry of this gritty, personalized slice of Native American history.

'Creatures' is produced by KK Productions and is directed by Kristian Kery. It features a completely Native American cast and is shot on location in Blackfeet Nation, Montana.

• For more information visit creaturesmovie.com

SOURCE: Blackfeet Reservation

#TeamMASK - Face Masks Placed on New Castle County Government Cars to Promote Mask-Wearing

Mac Macleod, CEO of Carvertise, with the help of New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, affixes a mask on a New Castle County vehicle at their August 5 launch event.

Carvertise, Inc., a rideshare-based transit advertising company, announced the launch of its #TeamMASK advertising campaign with the New Castle County Government in an effort to promote the continued importance of mask-wearing to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

As a part of this initiative, eleven high-mileage county vehicles, including the County Executive's very own car, were selected to don gigantic custom-made "Car Masks" that fit over the grill of the vehicles. 

The vehicles also prominently feature a #TeamMASK slogan on both driver and passenger sides, to proudly state the county's position on wearing face masks to curb the spread of COVID-19.

• The county vehicles selected are a medley of paramedic and public works sedans and trucks that will be seen at COVID-19 testing sites, public parks, and construction sites. 
• Each vehicle travels a minimum of 1,100 miles a month which will create an estimated 82,500 monthly impressions, according to Carvertise's proprietary impression calculating algorithm. 
• For the duration of this three-month advertising campaign, 2.7 million impressions will be created generating significant reach and frequency throughout the entire county.

The New Castle County #TeamMASK fleet unveiled.

Carvertise CEO, Mac Macleod, stated, "New Castle County has become the first government entity in the country to transform their fleet of vehicles into moving billboards promoting public safety messaging specific to COVID-19. Not only does the creativity of the face masks make it memorable, but it is also highly cost-efficient. These vehicles are driving around the county everyday as it is; now, however, they're holding the dual purpose of marketing to county residents. That's a 2-for-1 benefit."

"The #TeamMASK campaign is a great way for us to drive home an important public safety message to our county residents," said Matt Meyer, County Executive, New Castle County, Delaware. "What better way to show a sense of community spirit and pride around public mask compliance than to have these larger-than-life face masks adorned to our highest mileage vehicles? I'm highly confident this will get people thinking and talking about mask-wearing," said Meyer.

Macleod added, "This is innovative advertising at its finest. It's creative, it's memorable, it's culturally relevant, it's reaching the right audience, and it's effectively communicating the right message through the use of humor. Everyone who sees these cars stops in their tracks, takes a picture of it, and understands the message being promoted. Big kudos to New Castle County for being bold enough to be first."

• #TeamMASK wraps and Carvertise's gigantic "Car Masks" are available in all 50 states and can be leveraged by other government and healthcare entities looking to make a big marketing splash in their communities.

SOURCE: Carvertise, Inc.

HorrorPack Limited Edition #50 Ships in the August Blu-ray Pack

August HorrorPack Limited Edition Blu-ray #50

A little under five years ago, subscription service HorrorPack launched its first offering, a monthly Mystery Horror Movie subscription box with both DVD and Blu-ray plans. 

Founded by Diego Kirsch and Chris Ethridge, HorrorPack's mission was simple: Despite the rise of VOD, the demand for physical media still exists, particularly for collectors, and in areas with limited broadband. HorrorPack would meet this need by sending four DVDs or four Blu-rays straight to the customer's door every month. 

A little while later, they began to include a Numbered, Limited Edition Blu-ray each month in the Blu-ray pack.

Flash forward to now: In the August 2020 pack, HorrorPack will be shipping Limited Edition #50, right before their 5-year anniversary in September. This milestone mystery title, previously unreleased in North America, is a horror film featuring the legendary Tony Todd.

• Each disc will be signed by the Director. 

HorrorPack Horror Movie Subscription Box

"One of the best things we have been able to do at HorrorPack is to help get independent horror films out to a wider audience while compensating the filmmakers at the same time," says Ethridge.

Kirsch adds, "We also connect the filmmakers to the HorrorPack subscriber and unboxer community, which has been growing steadily with everyone staying at home due to COVID-19."

• The DVD plan contains 4 Horror DVDs each month for $19.99 including US shipping. The Blu-ray plan consists of 4 Horror Blu-rays each month, including the Numbered Limited Edition title, for $24.99 with US shipping.

Related Videos:

Both formats have multi-month subscription options, which are even more affordable, and HorrorPack ships internationally for an additional cost. 

• More information can be found at HorrorPack.com

SOURCE: HorrorPack

Darwin200 Undertakes Circumnavigation of UK to Conduct British Ocean Health Check in Preparation for Global Planetary Conservation Initiative

Darwin200 has chartered the stunning tall ship Pelican of London for its UK voyage. Managed by charity Adventure Under Sail, it offers a unique environment for educating young people; encouraging equality, inclusiveness and passion through adventure and challenge

UK-based Darwin200 Limited announces today that it will utilise the stunning tall ship, Pelican of London, to circumnavigate the UK with specialist environmental scientists onboard to mentor a group of young scientists. These scientists will conduct a programme of observations, experiments, discussions, and problem-solving sessions related to the health of the UK's surrounding waters.

• The voyage sets sail from Folkestone on 5 August and in a clockwise circum-navigation of the British Isles, will call in at Southampton, Plymouth, Cardiff, Liverpool, Belfast, Glasgow, Hebrides, St Kilda, Orkney, Shetland, Edinburgh and London, where the journey ends with a sail-through Tower Bridge. It will be moored in London for a week where live lectures will be broadcast off the ship.

Stewart McPherson, Darwin200 project leader, says, "In preparation of the Darwin200 global voyage, we're embarking on a UK-wide initiative that brings along ten new scientists to carry out a detailed science programme throughout the 59-day project. We're planning on a host of activities such as live lectures, citizen science project updates, and we'll be publishing findings from the science programme on a daily basis, where we hope to engage tens of thousands of young people across the UK to look at the health of the UK waters and better understand marine conservation."

Darwin200 is delighted to partner with the University of Plymouth to lead the science programme onboard the UK voyage, which has been designed by Drs Charlotte Braungardt and Richard Sandford from the University's School of Geography, Earth and Environment Science. Its aim is to develop a solid understanding of the marine environment through a broad range of activities, observations and experiments that explore the physical structure and chemical composition of the ocean, its ecology and life sustaining functions for the planet. 

Dr Braungardt states, "We're extremely pleased to be involved in this project and mentoring the onboard scientists where we will encourage them to investigate the human impact on this awe-inspiring environment and discuss ways to address it on all levels, from individual behaviour to high-tech and global governance solutions."

The UK launch will test the outreach platform and onboard systems for the global voyage, which will harness the legacy of Charles Darwin by re-tracing his journey onboard HMS Beagle 200 years ago. 

The prime objective of the global project is to find 200 next-generation global conservation leaders and inspire 200 million people by providing a platform of free, interactive resources for all school children, university students, teachers and the general public. 

During a 2-year around the world voyage, currently planned to start in 2021, five global research projects will be conducted and the 'world's most exciting classroom' will visit the same 50 ports where Darwin made landfall. At these ports, the ship will be met by teams of 4 young scientists, called Darwin200 Leaders, who will use the ship as a floating laboratory to conduct the same experiments Darwin did himself, discover changes that have occurred over the last 200 years and put forward solutions to reverse any detrimental impact to the natural ecosystem.

Stewart concludes, "The team's vision is to change the world by creating the next wave of determined young conservation leaders, whose careers spanning several decades, will build a brighter future for our planet."

• The UK voyage marks the start of this epic vision and the Darwin200 team are calling on anyone who would like to get involved in the global voyage, be that a young scientist, a mentor, sponsor or part of the crew sailing from port-to-port. Let the adventure begin!

SOURCE: Darwin200

Blue Handle Publishing Announces Graphic Novel Contest for the Neil Baggio Series and Release of Colloquium

Neil Baggio Logo

Following the great response of the first Neil Baggio book, Veritas, a suspense novel by author Charles D'Amico that follows investigator Neil Baggio as he tracks his mentor-turned-famed killer Frank Cappelano from Detroit to Washington D.C., Blue Handle Publishing, LLC has released the second and third installments of the Neil Baggio series. The second installment entitled Ave Maria, is out now. The third installment, Colloquium releases August 1st. 

Follow Neil as he balances interviewing the most notorious inmate at FCI Milan with chasing down a missing girl.

Blue Handle Publishing announces the Neil Baggio Graphic Novel Contest. They will be taking submissions thru November and announcing a winner on 12/31/20. 

• See the website for details and prizes involved. 

Ave Maria Cover

"The Neil Baggio Series is an ever-growing franchise with endless possibilities," quotes one industry expert

"Similar to Veritas and Ave Maria, Colloquium brings thrilling storytelling and edge-of-your-seat suspense from the first page all the way through to the end," said D'Amico. "Whether you're a fan of the first two books or brand new to the Neil Baggio series, Colloquium will take you on a gripping ride that will make the book hard to put down."

Colloquium Cover

Blue Handle Publishing will also release more installments in the Neil Baggio series over the next few months. Requiem, the fourth installment of the series, is set to release on September 1st. Additionally, there will be two spin-off stories from the Neil Baggio universe. One is entitled Frank's Journal — Volume 1, set to release on October 6th, which will tell the story of Veritas from the perspective of the killer. And the other, entitled Fille Perdue, set to part of The Marie Perdita Suspense Series, has a release date of December 10th.

In conjunction with the 3rd Release in the Neil Baggio Series, Blue Handle Publishing announces the next way to experience Neil Baggio. From traditional reading and audio to Graphic Novels. Where will this character and the Neil Baggio Universe take us next?

• In addition to the Neil Baggio series and the spin-off stories from it, Blue Handle Publishing is also currently working with Amazon best-selling author Andrew J Brandt. Blue Handle Publishing is set to publish Brandt's highly-anticipated upcoming thriller, The Unwinding Cable Car, on November 17th.

Neil Baggio Universe

About Blue Handle Publishing

Based in Amarillo, Blue Handle Publishing is a West Texas publishing company founded to build the Panhandle's presence in the literary world. The company follows this by exclusively working with authors local to the West Texas area.

• For more information on Blue Handle Publishing, please visit BlueHandlePublishing.com.

SOURCE: Blue Handle Publishing

"Covid-19 The Virus Of Fear" - An Italian Movie Regarding The Lesson Learned From The Pandemic [Trailer Included]

"Covid-19 The Virus Of Fear" - An Italian Movie Regarding The Lesson Learned From The Pandemic (screengrab)

"Will we be able to learn anything from all this?" 
The movie trailer of "Covid-19 The Virus of Fear" closes with this question, while a dying man is attached to a respirator.

Produced by Consulcesi, a company specialized in healthcare education, this movie is part of a broader education project on Covid-19 aimed primarily at medical doctors and healthcare professionals, included in a full series of continuing education in medicine (CME) courses. 

A careful fact gathering of what happened, which dismantles the fake news on Covid-19 through correct scientific information, will also be available to the public on mainstream platforms. Therefore, a project that engages the public not to forget the near past and to learn from mistakes.

The movie was brought forth on the idea of Massimo Tortorella, Consulcesi' s Chairman who explains its genesis and purpose: "Covid-19 has changed digital education in the professional field. This initiative aims to overcome the traditional learning model through the concept of 'learning by doing' guaranteed by interactivity and technology. Healthcare professionals can update their knowledge-base not by reading slides but through a movie and testing their skills with decision-making articulations marked by algorithms that generate virtual interactions with patients."

The result is an 80 minutes-long film written by Manuela Jael Procaccia and directed by Christian Marazziti. Starting from the experience of Italy and China, among the first contaminated countries, the film retells the sensations that have affected everyone on a global level: the fear of the unknown, which leads to discriminatory behaviors and which feeds hypochondria and psychosis.

Consulcesi: “Covid-19 The Virus of Fear” An Italian Movie Regarding The Lesson Learned From The Pandemic

This project sees prestigious collaborations, including those of the virologist Massimo Andreoni, Director of Infectious Diseases department at Tor Vergata University; Giorgio Nardone psychotherapist of Strategic Therapy Center; Giuseppe Ippolito, Scientific Director of Lazzaro Spallanzani and Ranieri Guerra, Deputy Director-General of WHO. Just the latter, highlights that: "The EU has finally started to behave as such and the major international agencies have joined forces. Vaccines, diagnostics, drugs, namely borderless science can become the global public healthcare systems. We need the contribution of everyone, governments, individuals, communities: It will take time, but we cannot allow that the effort, the tears and the blood shed to have been in vain."

The film presentation took place under the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Healthcare. "Coronavirus has taught us that continuing education in medicine and clear information to citizens are the solid basis for a head start," commented the Minister.

The Trailer:

SOURCE: Consulcesi